What to Know Before You Buy Kids' Makeup

Thanks to social media and young influencers showing off their latest finds, kids are diving into the world of makeup earlier than ever. As a parent, you might wonder, "Is makeup even safe for kids?, and "Which products should they use?"

We consulted two makeup artists and a child development expert. They shared advice on safe-for-kids makeup brands and how to make the experience empowering.

Is makeup safe for kids?

Aimee Carr, a medical esthetician, makeup artist and clean beauty formulation expert says that kids can safely enjoy cosmetics. But before you hand over that eyeshadow palette, Carr advises parents to check product ingredients first.

Ingredients to shop

Maria Velve, a Toronto-based certified makeup artist and green beauty expert, recommends looking for specific ingredients.

"These include minerals, clays, beet powders and botanicals," she explains.  "These ingredients are non-toxic and safe for children to use."

Velve also advises looking for products with organic certifications. "The term 'natural' can be misleading," she cautions. "Organic certifications ensure products are free from harmful ingredients and safe for young skin."

Ingredients to avoid

Children’s bodies are still developing and their immune systems are not yet fully matured. Because of this, Carr advises avoiding certain ingredients in products designed for kids.

"For example, phenoxyethanol, a preservative commonly found in makeup, is something I would steer clear of for my children," she explains.

Velve also recommends being wary of synthetic dyes and fragrances. "These ingredients can cause skin irritation," she notes. Phthalates and parabens are sometimes found in synthetic colours and scents.

"These are endocrine disruptors, which can lead to hormone imbalances in both boys and girls." So look for packages that say "phthalate-free" or "paraben-free".

How to select makeup for your aspiring artist

When shopping for makeup with your kids, involve them in the process. This helps build their autonomy and self-confidence while teaching them about safety.

Carr shares her family's approach: "My daughters check ingredient lists, counting familiar items. Fewer ingredients usually mean a 'yes,' regardless of packaging appeal. Engage your children in learning about ingredients and discuss them together."

Choose shades carefully

When selecting makeup shades for kids, it's important to be mindful of colour choices. Carr advises, "It's best to avoid red shades, as there may be too much red dye," which can cause skin irritation. Instead, she suggests a gentler approach: "Use muted colours and even some deep blues."

Select quick-removal products

Removing makeup can be challenging—even for adults. Carr recommends opting for products specifically designed for easy removal or those that are oil-based. She explains, "For convenient cleanup, look for makeup that can be gently wiped away with a safe, non-toxic oil like coconut oil, often used for diaper rash. Ultimately, the choice comes down to ease and convenience."

Kid-friendly makeup application tips

Establish rules

Before introducing makeup, Carr emphasizes setting clear guidelines. "Think of it like learning to drive - as you grow older, you progress through different makeup stages,"  she explains. "While rules may vary between families, it's crucial to establish and agree on them in advance."

Start with easy products

While full-sized palettes may seem exciting, Carr recommends beginning with simple, user-friendly makeup products.

"For younger children, I suggest starting with a light cream blush applied to the cheeks," she explains. "Kids love the texture and feeling, and the cheeks are often the first area they attempt. It's easy for parents to demonstrate, and children can mimic the application. Plus, cream blush is versatile and safe for multiple areas like the skin, eyes, and lips, without requiring precise application."

Stick with simple looks

If you're looking for makeup ideas for kids, Carr suggests keeping things simple and uncomplicated. "I prefer to stay with muted and natural colours or light pastels," she recommends. "It keeps it simple but kids can still see the colour without a full face of bold makeup."

Why you should get in on the fun

Joining your child in makeup play can surprisingly benefit their well-being. Reena B. Patel, MA, LEP, BCBA, a parenting expert and licensed psychologist, explains, "This is a great way to build connections and bond with your child. It shows you're interested in their world." Here's why it matters:

Establishes bonds

Patel suggests that applying makeup with your child be a bonding experience, like baking or playing dress-up together. "Kids love to be creative and include their parents in their imaginative activities," she explains. "Sharing these positive experiences helps bring you closer together."

Encourages collaborative play

Patel also emphasizes that makeup play with your child fosters collaborative play, which she believes helps build confidence and self-esteem.

She explains, "Cooperative play occurs when children engage with peers or adults towards a shared goal or activity. Any joint activity, including makeup play, helps create and strengthen relationships. When kids play with makeup alongside parents or friends, feeling good and having fun in the process, it naturally boosts their self-esteem and confidence."

How to make makeup empowering

Patel advises, "It's crucial to talk about it, understand their perspective, and have open, honest conversations. Start by asking your child what beauty means to them. This open-ended question helps you learn their point of view and guides the conversation."

Talk about social media

The beauty industry is heavily influenced by societal standards and social media. Patel emphasizes the importance of addressing this issue early on.

"It's crucial to have conversations about social media with kids, discussing what they're seeing and being exposed to online," she explains. Patel stresses educating children about filters and photo editing while promoting self-love and discouraging comparisons to online images.

Find out why they want to wear makeup

"Ask if they're wearing makeup for personal enjoyment and self-expression, or if it's influenced by peers, media or a desire to change their appearance," says Patel. "Let their response guide the conversation."

Avoid appearance-based praise

It's natural to want to tell your child they look beautiful, but when it comes to makeup, Patel suggests steering clear of compliments focused solely on appearance. She explains that this can make kids overly conscious of how makeup affects others' views of them.

"Instead, try using words that go beyond just looks," she suggests. "For example, you might say, 'You seem ready for an exciting day!' or 'That blush brings out the lovely colour of your hair!'"

Is kids' makeup sustainable?

Believe it or not, kids' makeup can be environmentally friendly. "Look for makeup that has replaceable pallets and is refillable," says Carr. "This is a great sustainable feature because you won't have additional packaging or hardly used makeup sitting around. It also gives you more options, as you can switch colours in and out."

When it comes to beauty tools, opt for durable, reusable items. "One great example is makeup brushes that you can take care of and make last instead of disposable brushes," Carr advises. This also teaches responsibility and how to take care of their things, she adds.

Shop safe makeup for kids:

From makeup kits for kids to non-toxic nail polish, these are some of the best kid-friendly cosmetics.

Pure Anada Princess Shimmer in Pixie Dust

Velve chooses Pure Anada as one of her top makeup brands. The products are organic and made in Vancouver.

Use this shimmer on eyelids, cheekbones or anywhere, really. Crafted from mineral ingredients, it comes in two shades. Plus, it features a convenient roller ball design that makes application easy and mess-free.

petite and pretty CactiCali Makeup Starter Kit

Petite 'N Pretty is another kid-safe makeup brand to keep on your radar. Approved by pediatricians and dermatologists, it's free from common allergens and harsh chemicals like nuts, gluten, parabens, phthalates, and talc.

If your child is new to makeup, this starter kit is a great choice. It boasts three shimmery eyeshadows and two blushes. It also comes with a handy two-in-one brush for easy application on eyes and cheeks, plus a lovely sheer gloss.

Jovy Berry Bliss Play Makeup Set

Jovy stands out as the only children's makeup brand that is EWG-verified, ensuring that products are free from harmful ingredients such as parabens, petrochemicals, talc, and phthalates. The kit comes packed with creative essentials any aspiring makeup artist would love: three dual-purpose eyeshadow and blush palettes, a versatile brush for both blush and eyeshadow application, and a charming makeup bag to store their new treasures.

Pink House Glow Stick

Velve also recommends this makeup brand, renowned for its clean beauty products, as an excellent choice for children. While the brand offers a wide range of products for adults, its blush stick stands out as a fantastic option for teenagers and preteens who are just beginning to explore the world of makeup.

Its attractive coral shade isn't confined to cheeks alone—it can add a vibrant pop of colour to eyes and lips, making it a versatile and playful all-in-one product.

Piggy Paint Nail Polish

Looking for safe and fun nail polish for kids? Piggy Paint has you covered! This non-toxic nail polish comes in a rainbow of exciting colours that children adore. Free from harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and toluene, the polish dries to a tough, long-lasting finish.

Experts

• Aimee Carr is a medical esthetician, makeup artist, and clean beauty formulation expert.
• Reena B. Patel, MA, LEP, BCBA, is a parenting expert and licensed psychologist.
• Maria Velve is a Toronto-based certified makeup artist and green beauty expert.